DOWNTOWN REVITALIZATION Citizens gather to hear proposals for Hubbard

Paul Vernon told the crowd how the town could be renovated.
HUBBARD -- What will a revitalized downtown look like 20 years from now?
That was on the minds of the area's Chamber of Commerce, the city's Economic Development League and others about 18 months ago when they became interested in sprucing up downtown.
A public meeting Monday allowed residents and business owners to see several schematics showing renovations to several structures as well as proposed use of the city center's green spaces.
Despite heavy snow, a standing-room-only crowd filled a meeting room in the city administration building to hear Paul Vernon's presentation. Vernon, of the Cleveland-based Urban Design Center of Northeast Ohio, outlined for the audience numerous ideas for fixing up downtown.
The first part of the two-part study is set up to create a vision concentrating on a section of downtown within a quarter-mile radius of state routes 304 and 616, Vernon noted.
The proposed project focused on Baldine Plaza, West Liberty Street, Eagle Field, St. Patrick's Church and the Creekside Senior Village.
Two options envisioned renovations to the fire station, relocating or expanding the public green, creating more access paths and improving traffic flow.
Building design guidelines would look at businesses' facades and roofs, exterior lighting, landscaping and awnings and signs.
Accessibility
Vernon said that the design concepts also could make downtown businesses more accessible to those living at the Creekside Senior Village. The center also would be complemented by additional green space.
Improvements also could be made to Eagle Field. The plan would make the football field easier to get to and could include terraced seating and better parking, Vernon noted.
St. Patrick's Church campus and the Baldine Shopping Plaza also could benefit, Vernon pointed out. The church could see a new outdoor worship area and consolidated playground: The plaza might have a new entrance road and various renovations.
Vernon stressed that the design are in the preliminary stage and can be modified, changed or discarded. The drawings are "road map" for residents to consider and "it's up to the community to make it happen," he added.
Michael Villano, city auditor, said city officials will apply for a $400,000 federal grant to go towards the project, money that could be available by late 2005. But the overall project would cost much more and would need both private and public funds.
Last year, the city was awarded a $15,000 grant for the planning phase, Villano said.
Another community meeting to discuss the downtown redevelopment plan is set for late April.
Citizen response was generally positive, though some spoke for the need to add more parking downtown.